Review: Can I Get An Amen? By: Sarah Healy

Can I Get An Amen? by Sarah Healy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellen Carlisle wakes one morning to find not only have her prayers for a child have gone unanswered but her husband has left her and by month's end she is out of work and living back at home with her parents. Her born-again parents don't necessarily provide the right sounding board she needs, her gay brother hides in the city making the obligatory visit and has the compassionate ear, and her foul mouthed independent sister is pained by her own past. Coming home to the haves and bigger haves of the old high school crowd doesn't make it any easier, nor does the slow seeping darkness that begins to enter her parents home with hushed voices and plastered smiles.
A great, easy read, filled with interesting characters, some wonderful conversations (even some amazing humor that had me laughing so hard aloud I was getting looks). This is not a book about religion, or one that pushes Christianity into the pages, this is one about a person, a family, the fragility and sometimes hypocrisy of faith, and all the bonds that make us who we are. This is the author's first novel and I really enjoyed it.

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Review: The Diet Trap By: Jason Lillis PhD, JoAnne Dahl PhD, and Sandra M Weineland PhD

The Diet Trap: Feed Your Psychological Needs and End the Weight Loss Struggle Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Jason Lillis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. A way to get to the root of your eating or dieting trap, change it and develop a healthier way of thinking, thereby a healthier way of life. Written in a way that is very comfortable, informative, fun, compassionate, and therapeutic you will learn self- compassion, mindfulness, how to identify your thinking patterns, and values. There are deep and helpful exercises (to do at your own pace). Meet yourself within these exercises, your goals, your values, you'll even meet your emotional T Rex - if you are willing to let the barriers down.
I really liked this approach to work in inner before thinking the outer was the answer, to get to the root, but in a gentle honest way. I think that the ACT approach would be great in all parts of your life.

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Review: Winter's Tale By: Mark Helprin

Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Release the veil that covers your eyes and enter into the world created by Mr. Helprin, filled with beauty, truth, the just, and the impossible. The depth of which he will take you into this adventure, feeling lead throughout time and dimensions, and the characters leaping off the pages surrounding you - or visa versa. Vivid, brilliant, effervescent, and soulful are only a few words to describe this epic book.
So many lives intertwine over time, but the life of Peter Lake is the main link in the chain. He is a burglar who loses his heart to Beverly Penn, woman who is dying, yet sees the world in all it's glory. A secret, sacred place filled with magic, The Lake of Coheeries holds a key, as a cloud wall that can reach from the river to the sky and catch and release whatever dares enter into it appears to be a gate, a white horse, the balance of good versus evil, and the necessity of it all are all found within these pages.
This book shines, beckons the reader further into the world created and you go willingly and wonderfully let go into the prose. Warning: you will not be the same afterwards and will often want to return.

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Review: Rebel Spring By: Morgan Rhodes

Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book following Falling Kingdoms is just as addicting! The new land know known as Mythica, brought together by uniting Limeros, Paelsia, and Auranos under the rule of The Blood King, Gauis.
Gauis has proven to stop at nothing in Falling Kingdoms, yet we find that he has a destiny, a plan, that he must follow that has been given to him by none other than a Watcher. To fulfill his destiny he must pour blood into the land and build a road from the temple in Auranos to the one in Limeros.
He is cold and calculating, placing his captive Princess Cleo in an arranged marriage with his son, giving speeches to the people, and moving people like pawn pieces across a board.
There is a band of rebels that will make this hard and that have their own destiny in the greater plan of Mythica. The search for the Kindred is on and as Lucia awakens the elementia power within her time is short.

WOW! I didn't want to give a lot away, but give a teaser - but this is a great series. Think Game of Thrones for Teens (and their moms). With a lot of adventure, schemes, plots moving at the same time, you know that the build up to finale is gaining momentum and like George RR Martin Ms. Rhodes isn't afraid of killing anyone off to build the story - and this is a Great one! Pick up these books, I know you will love them and I can bet that like me you will be marking the calendars awaiting for the next release!

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Review: Homemade Condiments : Artisan Recipes Using Fresh, Natural Ingredients By: Jessica Harlan

Homemade Condiments: Artisan Recipes Using Fresh, Natural Ingredients by Jessica Harlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**** A First Reads, Thank You Goodreads *****

A great how-to and addition to the home cook's shelf. Filled with recipes that range from the basic ketchup to illustrious Magic Shell, tips, conversions, and uses - this will make condiments simple. Whether you choose to use this everyday (because of the ease) or for special occasions, you will wow those with your new found knowledge, and they will delight in its taste.
Personally, I found this a delight, with Ms. Harlan's voice throughout guiding me through the recipes with personal stories and tips as if she was in the kitchen with me. I also love the fact that I can help my family eat healthier, bring freshness and natural way of condiments into our home, something that I often overlooked.

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Review: Why Are You So Sad? By: Jason Porter

Why Are You So Sad? by Jason Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

***** This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads ****

Ray is slipping. Slipping down a hole of which nothing seems to be saving him from going deeper into. We, the reader, are privy to his thoughts, which range from hearing people in the cars next to him on his commute to work to the strangeness he experiences within his marriage. One day sitting outside of LokiLoki, where he works as a pictographer, he creates a questionnaire - for surely, he can't be the only one that feels this way.
Darkly humorous, filled with twists, and some intense insight, Mr. Porter takes us on a journey into the mind and the life of Ray, guides us, and leaves us. Ray's observations on life and his co workers spoke to me on a deeper level as his survey did to them.
I really loved this book, the style of writing, the depth. There is something special here that is deeper than the pages and it speaks volumes of the author's talent. this book is one to read over, to share at a book club, and to keep on your shelf.

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Review: Healing Your Life With Water By: Diana E Ruiz

Healing Your Life with Water: How to use your Mind Body & Water Connection to Awaken Your Inner Fountain of Youth by Diana E. Ruiz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**** This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads ****

This is a basics, techniques, how to, and break down of a natural way of living based mainly on the concept of water. Our bodies are mainly built with water, using the alkaline way of living (including diet), we can change the response within – helping our immune system, our mental health, our relationships – internal and external. Ms. Ruiz easily explains, gives examples, and cites helpful sources to help you get on your way.
This is not a new concept, but this is one that constantly needs to be revisited. Great for those looking to make a change, to rev up or go in for that “oil change”. Energy medicine, lightwork, et al should all be part of someone’s life, this book brings part of that natural medicine into the home and makes it simple and easy.
Worth the read and the exercises, it will work. The New Year New You is within reach, give it a try. You will find this as a handy go to guide and reference.


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